Rushing under fire for comments

Airway Heights Mayor Patrick Rushing is under fire for some recent comments made on his personal Facebook account last weekend.

Rushing made a comment in response to a friend’s comment, comparing First Lady Michelle Obama to a “gorilla” and referring President Barack Obama as a “Monkey-man.” He made these comments through his personal Facebook page that was not affiliated with the city or his position as mayor.

Rushing made a public apology and said his comments were not meant to offend anyone.

“I made an insensitive comment about the President and the First Lady and I apologize for it,” Rushing said. “I will continue to apologize to people when I see them.”

During Monday’s study session, the City Council went into a 30-minute executive session regarding Rushing’s comment and performance as a public official. After the executive session, various council members said they were displeased with Rushing’s comment and that his words do not reflect their values, nor the views of the city. They also asked Rushing to resign from his position as mayor. Rushing thanked council for their feedback and said he would not resign.

“I’ve done too much hard work to step aside from this,” Rushing said. “I will continue to work and promote the city in a positive light.”

After Rushing’s statement, council voted 5-1 for City Attorney Stanley Schwartz to draft a resolution stating that Rushing’s comments do not reflect Airway Heights’ staff or citizens and asking for his resignation. The resolution would also impose control measures on the mayor’s position. Rushing was the dissenting vote. Councilman Doyle Inman was absent from the study session.

Schwartz said council does not have the power to remove the mayor though electors can bring a recall petition if that is what residents want.

“I’m looking at the procedures of that process so I can advise council,” Schwartz said.

Several residents called the city and voiced their concern with Rushing’s actions, one of them former mayor Matthew Pederson. During a quick public comment period before the executive session, Pederson said the mayor’s actions “hurt him.”

“As a member of this community, I am flat out ashamed,” Pederson said. “His comment does not reflect my values.”

Pederson asked council to “set the record straight” for residents and called for Rushing’s resignation.

City Manager Albert Tripp said the city will continue to operate and focus on providing the same public service through this issue.

“We have a lot of folks whose values are not representative of the (mayor’s) comments and we will work through this,” Tripp said.

Rushing said he will continue to take steps and make sure a mistake like this “doesn’t happen again.”

Rushing has served as Airway Heights mayor since 2009. He also represents the city on several committees such as the Spokane Transit Authority Board, the Spokane Clean Air Agency Board, the Spokane Regional Transportation Council, the Spokane County Housing and Community Development Advisory Committee, the Spokane County Emergency Services Communication Board, the Spokane County Solid Waste Advisory Committee, secretary for the West Plains Chamber of Commerce Board and District 1 Director for the Association of Washington Cities.

Rushing is also challenging incumbent Henry Browne for the Cheney School Board Director District 3 position in the Nov. 3 election.

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].